Barnes sets Palm Beach track record

Racer Michael Barnes set a new overall motorcycle track record at Palm Beach International Raceway (PBIR), outside Palm Beach, Florida, on a set of Pirelli Diablo Superbike Slicks.

Riding a Suzuki GSX-R1000 in the CCS event on Sunday, October 4, Barnes set a new track record of 1:16.608 on the 2-mile road course, while racing in the Unlimited GP Shootout class. This record was verified by Henry DeGouw of the CCS Florida Region and by Emily Brown, VP Marketing of PBIR. Barnes finished second in the race, barely a wheel behind the winner, on the year-old configuration of the new PBIR road course.

Pirelli Race Manager, Chris Jensen, said, "With so many series worldwide becoming spec tire events it’s great to see where we measure up to when we race straight up against the competition. Setting a track record speaks for itself. We congratulate Barney for his continued successes and for showing how the Pirelli tires are at the top level, whether in World Superbike or an American regional race."

Barnes’ record was set using the latest proprietary Pirelli technology: a 120/70-17 front Diablo Superbike Slick mated to the all-new 190/60-17 rear Diablo Superbike Slick, that provides racers with improved feel and the maximum in corner-exit traction.